Caffeinated beverages and foods, such as gourmet coffee drinks, sodas, iced teas, energy drinks, ice cream and candy are readily available to children and teens. However, as parents are purchasing these seemingly innocent treats for their children, they may be forgetting caffeine is actually a drug that stimulates the brain and nervous system. While lower levels may increase a person’s energy, mood and performance, too much caffeine can cause:

Jitteriness and tremors

Agitation and anxiety

Hyperactivity

Dizziness

Difficulty concentrating

Trouble sleeping

Palpitations

Chest pain

Higher blood pressure

Stomach aches

Diarrhea

Increased urination

Dehydration

Because of its rapid absorption in the body, symptoms of caffeine toxicity usually begin within two to four hours of ingestion. Although it is relatively uncommon in children and adolescents, excessive caffeine consumption may cause intoxication, resulting in vomiting, cardiac arrhythmias, seizures and even death.

According to a 2014 study published in Pediatrics, children consume most of their caffeine from sodas. However, coffee and energy drinks are increasingly representing a greater proportion of caffeine intake in children! Although parents may know of its presence in certain foods and drinks, they may not be aware of the actual amounts of caffeine their children are consuming throughout the day. The following table lists the caffeine amounts in some of the most popular foods and drinks on the market.

Foods/beverages

Serving Size, oz.

Caffeine, mg

Coffee, brewed

8

133 (range: 102 to 200)

Espresso

1

40 (range: 30 to 90)

Snapple Iced Tea, Lemon/Peach/Raspberry

16

42

Starbucks Tazo Chai Tea Latte (grande)

16

100

Coke

12

35 to 47

Mountain Dew

12

54 (20 oz. = 90)

Dr. Pepper

12

42 to 44

Monster Energy

16

160

Red Bull

8.3

80

Ben and Jerry’s Coffee Ice Cream

8

68 to 84

Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate Bar

1.45

31

Hershey’s Kisses

41 g (9 pieces)

9

Hot Cocoa

8

3 to 13

Most pediatricians recommend children younger than 12 years old should avoid caffeine all together, and adolescents and young adults should not consume more than 200 mg of caffeine per day. Other reasons for children to avoid caffeine include:

Many caffeinated beverages and foods also contain a large amount of sugar and empty calories, children may be at higher risk for tooth decay, nutrient deficiencies and obesity.

Caffeine is a diuretic that can lead to increased urination (or peeing). Without continuous hydration with water or other non-caffeinated, non-carbonated beverages, children who are engaged in prolonged, vigorous activities or live in hot, humid environments, are at particular risk for dehydration.

Although small amounts may not cause serious harm, tolerance can quickly develop, thereby necessitating higher doses to achieve some of the desired effects of caffeine.

Abrupt removal of caffeine from the diet can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, tiredness, decreased energy, decreased alertness, depressed mood, difficulty concentrating and irritability. Withdrawal symptoms usually occur about 12 to 24 hours after discontinuing caffeine, peak at one to two days, and may persistent for up to nine days!